WFC2 Holds OKC Scoreless

By CHRIS HOCKMAN – chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 09/10/17, 8:00PM EDT

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Energy FC dominates but can’t score against strong Vancouver defense

Photo Courtesy Steven Christy/OKC Energy FC

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC was left frustrated by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 defense as it was forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at Taft Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Energy FC could have taken the lead in the ninth minute when midfielder Miguel Gonzalez hit a free kick which beat everyone but could only find the left post and caromed away to safety. A great through-ball by Gonzalez looking for fellow OKC midfielder Alex Dixon came up short in the 23rd minute as WFC2 keeper Sean Melvin made a stunning save, before his defenders blocked the follow up. In the 58th minute Energy FC had its best chance of the match as Coady Andrews got a header that looked destined for the back of the net only to be denied by another spectacular Melvin save. Six minutes from time another corner kick gave OKC one more chance as defender Sam Fink tried to poke it home but again Melvin saved from point blank range, forcing the scoreless draw.

1. With a chance to get into the USL Cup Playoffs places on Sunday night, Energy FC couldn’t take its golden opportunity as it failed to find the net despite recording 25 shots. That keeps OKC Energy FC in ninth in the USL Western Conference, level on points with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, but trailing on goal differential with six games to go in its regular season.

2. With just one win in its last 16 games, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 has effectively no chance of making the playoffs. A poor road record has not helped things for WFC2, which has taken just two wins away from home all season, but a strong defensive performance in this match will give WFC2 hope of improvement going in to the final weeks of the season.

3. Energy FC managed 25 shots in the match, well on top of WFC2, but was unable to take advantage of some great opportunities as it finished with only seven of those shots on target. On the occasions where the ball did find the mark, Vancouver goalkeeper Sean Melvin was just unstoppable in the WFC2 goal, leaving OKC players, and fans, frustrated.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Sean Melvin, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 – Under regular threat, Melvin starred in the WFC2 goal throughout the match. He routinely frustrated Energy FC players, making seven saves through the match, several at full stretch to keep his side in the match.